When President Obama addressed "our gay brothers and sisters" last month, he was the first American president to include gay rights in his inaugural speech. He expressed our historical moment: the battle for LGBT equality is at the tipping point. San Franciscans can be proud of our role in this struggle. And we can keep contributing by adding my uncle's name, Harvey Milk, to our airport.

A 2009 White House press release reminded us that "Milk is revered nationally and globally as a pioneer of the LGBT rights movement for his exceptional leadership and dedication to equal rights." The California Museum's California Hall of Fame proudly proclaims, "Milk has become perhaps the most iconic figure of the LGBT rights movement."

Thus, adding his name to the airport's is a fitting honor. It also will advance the civil rights cause for which he lived and died.

More troubling are those critics who call this a divisive effort that could tarnish Milk's legacy. Similar statements were made when Mayor Gavin Newsom began marrying LGBT couples on Valentine's Day in 2004. Nearly 10 years later, states are legalizing same-sex marriage from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Such criticisms were made when Milk first ran for office. He wanted to send a message to every gay man and woman suffering silently in the shadows that there was hope for a better life. For him, that hope lived in San Francisco.

There are millions of people who still need that hope. In 77 countries, it's illegal to be gay. Seeing Harvey Milk's name as a destination would be an enduring expression of the hope he provided, not only for LGBT people, but for everyone who is marginalized or faces discrimination.

There are 80 U.S. airports named after individuals but not one after an LGBT leader. San Francisco is the right place, and now is the right time, to change that.